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The Riley County Commission approved a request from the Riley County Health Department at its regular Monday meeting, allowing an increase in the fee structure for child-care licensing.

Breva Spencer, the child-care licensing surveyor for the department, said the new fee plan would be on part with other counties, and would not be so significant enough that it might cause serious concerns.

The commission also heard from John Armbrust, representing the Governor’s Military Council. He said the topic of installation closures is again in discussion in Washington, and that Fort Leavenworth – which has been off the table in the past – is now a part of that discussion.

He didn’t indicate if Fort Riley was under any threat in these discussions, but Armbrust did say the trend of downsizing the Army continues and may be evident in eventual troop reductions. He also referenced sequestration as a factor in these trends.

Commissioner Bob Boyd said he hopes the state will have a serious voice in Washington.

“It does make me nervous we have no Kansas representation on armed services committees,” he said.

Armbrust said Sen. Jerry Moran has done his part to be that voice.

“It does (make me nervous), too,” Armbrust said. “For some reason, that’s not where everyone wants to go right now – but over on the Senate side, we do have Sen. Moran on two committees: appropriations and veterans’ affairs, and those are very helpful.”

Other items from Monday’s meeting:

• The commission approved a replacement vehicle, a 2014 Ford Fusion, for the Appraiser’s Office.

• The commission signed a highway use permit for Riley County Rural Water District No. 1.

• Commissioners again shared their disapproval of Kansas Senate Bill 298, which would eliminate the mortgage registration fee. The fee creates a large source of revenue for counties and county clerk Rich Vargo said both the state clerks’ association and treasurers’ association are against the bill.

Commission Counselor Clancy Holeman reported that the bill, which passed the Senate, might not have enough time in the House to pass before the current legislative session ends Wednesday.

Still, the commission agreed to draft a letter to Topeka on behalf of Riley County opposing the bill.